BC or Reg first?

[MBren]

Be positive! What's your budget?

We have 2 of us to consider when talking budget since both my husband and myself are new to diving...and I don't really want a Toyota nor a BMW (in the words of rawls) but somewhere in between.

I am looking at a Mares Abyss 22 but am not sure if I need one that good. I have tried it and really like the breathe ability of it. I would say that is where my comfort zone is mostly based (as some of you have asked). I want to be able to breath easily and the other regs I have used have been ok, but nothing like the Abyss. I have also done some research on the Zeagle Envoy which is more in my price range, but the closest dealer is 2+ hours away and I have not been able to try it. I really want to support my LDS (great guy with very fair prices, etc) and have some guilt about not buying from him. I also feel a bc is something I can rent with no issues wherever we happen to be diving...not to mention the reg will take up less space in my suitcase. For me, the reg first makes the best sense.

 

[rollerboi]

I'm going slightly against the grain of the thread here when I say that I'm planning to buy my BP/W first. I can rent regulators anywhere, and they tend to have the other goodies attached like pressure gauge, compass, and computer/bottom timer. Nobody really rents BP/W setups - the closest I've found is a dive shop that rents one back-inflate BCD around here.

In fact, I'm still trying to sell my computer to help raise the $$ for the BP/W. I can do just fine with a bottom timer and tables for now, since my SAC sucks.

I'm of the sentiment that buy whatever is tougher to reliably rent to your liking. If the BC needs to fit just right for you to be secure then get that. If you are hypersensitive to breathing characteristics then the regulator may be the best choice. Get whatever it takes to get you diving and keep you diving. Your personal answers may differ. One may get a whole rig and one may stay all rental for now.

I would not be too paranoid about rental regulators if you dive within the limits of your training.

A computer is a great source of trivia at this stage and can wait a good while. For now your depth and bottom time should not warrant it and spending some times with tables is a good thing.

Pete

 

[LowVizWiz]

We have 2 of us to consider when talking budget since both my husband and myself are new to diving...and I don't really want a Toyota nor a BMW (in the words of rawls) but somewhere in between.

That's quite a predicament you're in. At least you don't have to worry about finding a dive buddy too!
Whatever you decide to do I wish you the best of luck and dive safely!

Wiz

 

[themagni]

I'd get regs.

Why?

The last renter might get cold sores.

 

[ereediver]

You may also consider waiting and saving up first. You can usually get better deals when you buy a "package". You may get more of a discount if you buy two. This is also a good time of year to get shop sell offs, when they sell their rental gear. You can get some decent stuff fairly cheep. That gear will give you a jump off point you can expand on from there, plus have a back up set when you upgrade. My first gear was just that. I got a reg, BC, and wet suit for $400. I have since upgraded my gear, but keep that starter set for emergencies and pool work. And if my kids start they are good to go